52(66) Mandatory Ship Reporting Systems "The Torres Strait Region and the inner Route of the Great Barrier Reef" (MSC.161(78) MSC.127(75) MSC.251(83))

Mandatory ship reporting systems The Torres Strait Region and the Inner Route of the Great Barrier Reef

		dd-mm-yyyy = Entry into force
Document	Res.52(66)	01-01-1997
Amended by	Res.161(78)	01-12-2004
Amended by	Res.127(75)	01-05-2003
Amended by	Res.251(83)	01-05-2008
Amended by	Res.315(89)	01-07-2011

MANDATORY SHIP REPORTING SYSTEMS

THE MARITIME SAFETY COMMITTEE,
RECALLING Article 28(b) of the Convention on the International Maritime Organization concerning the functions of the Committee,

RECALLING ALSO regulation V/8-1 of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, concerning the adoption by the Organization of ship reporting systems,

RECALLING FURTHER resolution A.826(19) which authorizes the Committee to perform the function of adopting ship reporting systems on behalf of the Organization,

TAKING INTO ACCOUNT the Guidelines and criteria for ship reporting systems adopted by resolution MSC.43(64),

HAVING CONSIDERED the recommendations of the Sub-Committee on Safety of Navigation at its forty-first session,

1. ADOPTS, in accordance with SOLAS regulation V/8-1, mandatory ship reporting systems:
   
   • "In the Torres Strait region and the Inner route of the Great Barrier Reef" described in Annex 1 to the present resolution; and
   • "Off Ushant" described in Annex 2 to the present resolution;
     
2. DECIDES that the mandatory ship reporting system:
   
   • "In the Torres Strait and the Inner route of the Great Barrier Reef" will enter into force at 0000 UTC hours on 1 January 1997; and
   • "Off Ushant" will enter into force at 0000 UTC hours on [30 November 1996];
     
3. REQUESTS the Secretary-General to bring this resolution and its Annexes to the attention of Members of the Organization and Contracting Governments to the 1974 SOLAS Convention.
   
   

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Mandatory ship reporting systems The Torres Strait Region and the Inner Route of the Great Barrier Reef

		dd-mm-yyyy = Entry into force
Document	Res.52(66)	01-01-1997
Amended by	Res.161(78)	01-12-2004
Amended by	Res.127(75)	01-05-2003
Amended by	Res.251(83)	01-05-2008
Amended by	Res.315(89)	01-07-2011

MANDATORY SHIP REPORTING SYSTEMS

THE MARITIME SAFETY COMMITTEE,
RECALLING Article 28(b) of the Convention on the International Maritime Organization concerning the functions of the Committee,

RECALLING ALSO regulation V/8-1 of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, concerning the adoption by the Organization of ship reporting systems,

RECALLING FURTHER resolution A.826(19) which authorizes the Committee to perform the function of adopting ship reporting systems on behalf of the Organization,

TAKING INTO ACCOUNT the Guidelines and criteria for ship reporting systems adopted by resolution MSC.43(64),

HAVING CONSIDERED the recommendations of the Sub-Committee on Safety of Navigation at its forty-first session,

1. ADOPTS, in accordance with SOLAS regulation V/8-1, mandatory ship reporting systems:
   
   • "In the Torres Strait region and the Inner route of the Great Barrier Reef" described in Annex 1 to the present resolution; and
   • "Off Ushant" described in Annex 2 to the present resolution;
     
2. DECIDES that the mandatory ship reporting system:
   
   • "In the Torres Strait and the Inner route of the Great Barrier Reef" will enter into force at 0000 UTC hours on 1 January 1997; and
   • "Off Ushant" will enter into force at 0000 UTC hours on [30 November 1996];
     
3. REQUESTS the Secretary-General to bring this resolution and its Annexes to the attention of Members of the Organization and Contracting Governments to the 1974 SOLAS Convention.
   
   

Annex 1 The Torres Strait Region and the Inner Route of the Great Barrier Reef

Annex 1 - The Torres Strait Region and the Inner Route of the Great Barrier Reef

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Annex 1 - The Torres Strait Region and the Inner Route of the Great Barrier Reef

1 Categories of ships required to participate in the system

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1 - Categories of ships required to participate in the system

Ships of the following general categories are required to participate in the reporting system:

• All ships of 50 m or greater in overall length;
• All ships, regardless of length, carrying in bulk hazardous and/or potentially polluting cargo, in accordance with the definitions at resolution MSC.43(64), paragraph 1.4;
• Ships engaged in towing or pushing where either the towing or pushing vessel or the towed or pushed vessel is a vessel prescribed within the categories in subparagraphs .1 and .2.

2 Geographical coverage of the system

2 Geographical coverage of the system and the number and edition of the reference chart used for the delineation of the system

2.1 The reporting system will cover the general area, as shown in the chartlet at appendix 1, covering the Torres Strait between longitude 141º 45'E and 143º45'E, centred on 10ºS latitude, including the Endeavour Strait, and the waters of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) between the Australian coast and the outer edge of the GBR, from the latitude of Cape York (10º40'S) southwards to 22ºS.

2.2 Charts AUS 376 (Torres/Endeavour Straits) and AUS 367, AUS 370-375 (Queensland coast) provide large-scale coverage of the operational area; also international series small scale charts AUS 4602 and 4603.

3 Format and content of report

3 Format and content of report times and geographical positions for submitting reports, authority to whom reports should be sent and available services

The ship report short title "REEFREP", will be made to the ship reporting centre located at Hay Point in Queensland. Examples of the format and content of all required reports are shown at appendix 2. A ship may elect, for reasons of commercial confidentiality, to communicate that section of the REEFREP ENTRY report which provides information on cargo (line P) by non-verbal means prior to entering the system. This can be achieved by including cargo information in the AUSREP Sailing Plan (SP) message.

• Entry and Exit Reports: Ships will be required to provide a full REEFREP Position Report (PR) when passing the first designated reporting point on entering the REEFREP operational area, unless an AUSREP Sailing Plan (SP) message has been sent well in advance in which case an abbreviated REEFREP PR will suffice. When finally departing the REEFREP area, or entering a port within the area, the REEFREP system will associate the required PR and the designated reporting point and automatically recognize this report as an exit message.
  
• Intermediate Position Reports: Ships transiting the operational area will also be required to provide brief position reports at defined reporting points using normal PR formats.
  The intermediate reporting positions will be generally about 100-120 nautical miles apart. Position reports will be limited to the identity of the ship, position, any variation to the last reported speed and any further information the master considers to be of value to the system.
  
• Defect Reports: Ships within the reporting area suffering damage, failure or breakdown affecting the safety of the ship will be required to provide a defect report using field "?" within the prescribed PR message format. 
  

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Geldig tot en met: 30-11-2004

3 Format and content of report times and geographical positions for submitting reports, authority to whom reports should be sent and available services

The ship report short title "REEFREP", will be made to the ship reporting centre located at Hay Point in Queensland. Examples of the format and content of all required reports are shown at appendix 2. A ship may elect, for reasons of commercial confidentiality, to communicate that section of the REEFREP ENTRY report which provides information on cargo (line P) by non-verbal means prior to entering the system. This can be achieved by including cargo information in the AUSREP Sailing Plan (SP) message.

• Entry and Exit Reports: Ships will be required to provide a full REEFREP Position Report (PR) when passing the first designated reporting point on entering the REEFREP operational area, unless an AUSREP Sailing Plan (SP) message has been sent well in advance in which case an abbreviated REEFREP PR will suffice. When finally departing the REEFREP area, or entering a port within the area, the REEFREP system will associate the required PR and the designated reporting point and automatically recognize this report as an exit message.
  
• Intermediate Position Reports: Ships transiting the operational area will also be required to provide brief position reports at defined reporting points using normal PR formats.
  The intermediate reporting positions will be generally about 100-120 nautical miles apart. Position reports will be limited to the identity of the ship, position, any variation to the last reported speed and any further information the master considers to be of value to the system.
  
• Defect Reports: Ships within the reporting area suffering damage, failure or breakdown affecting the safety of the ship will be required to provide a defect report using field "?" within the prescribed PR message format. 
  

3 Format and contents of report

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3 Format and content of report times and geographical Positions for submitting reports, authority to whom Reports should be sent and available services

The ship report short title "REEFREP" will be made to the REEFREP VTS centre (REEFCENTRE) located at Hay Point in Queensland. Examples of the format and content of all required reports are shown at appendix 2. A ship may elect, for reasons of commercial confidentiality, to communicate that section of the REEFREP ENTRY report, which provides information on cargo (line P) by non-verbal means prior to entering the system. This can be achieved by including cargo information in the AUSREP Sailing Plan (SP) message.

3.1 Entry and exit reportsShips will be required to provide a full REEFREP Position Report (PR) at least two hours prior to entering the REEFREP area from seaward or when sailing from a port within the area.

Ships will also be encouraged to provide a passage plan as described below when providing an Entry Report. However, it is recognized that at this stage in their passage, they are unlikely to have a pilot on board and are therefore unable to provide a detailed passage plan.

When finally departing the REEFREP area, or entering a port within the area, the REEFREP system will associate the required PR and the designated reporting point and automatically recognize this report as an exit message.

3.2 Passage plan reportsShips will be required to provide a passage plan, including information such as vessel details, pilot information, route/waypoint information within one hour of entering the REEFREP area. The provision of accurate passage plans is critical to the dissemination of accurate ship traffic information and can be provided by one of the following means:

1. Nominating the route using the chartlets which will be provided by pilots
2. Nominating the waypoints, or
3. Using the existing Mandatory Reporting Points as listed on the charts.

3.3 Intermediate position reportsAutomated Position Reporting via Inmarsat-C will be the primary mechanism for ships to provide position reports while transiting the REEFREP region. REEFCENTRE will generally carry out APR remotely without any intervention by ships' crews. However, a small proportion of vessels are fitted with first generation Inmarsat-C terminals which do not support remote programming. Masters of ships fitted with these terminals, who choose to participate, will be required to program them onboard to send position reports automatically. Instructions relating to programming of these terminals can be obtained from REEFCENTRE.

Vessels can participate in Automated Position Reporting at any time by authorizing REEFCENTRE to download a Data Network Identifier (DNID) to the ship's Inmarsat-C terminal. Once the DNID is downloaded, REEFCENTRE is able to program the ship's Inmarsat-C terminal to transmit position reports automatically at regular intervals. Vessels can communicate authorization for DNID download either by Inmarsat-C or REEFREP VHF Voice Communication Channels as described in appendix 2.

Vessels providing Intermediate Position Reports via APR must still comply with the other VHF reporting requirements prescribed in section 2.4 (Entering and Leaving the REEFREP SRS), section 2.5 (Pilotage Reports) and section 2.6 (Special Reports) of the AUSREP and REEFREP booklet.

Where a ship is unable to provide Intermediate Position Reports via APR as required by REEFCENTRE they will be required to provide brief position reports as advised by the operator. The VHF position reports are limited to the identity of the vessel, position, any variation to the last reported speed and course and any further information the Master considers might be of value to the system.

3.4 Defect reportsThe following information is to be provided when a ship within the REEFREP area suffers damage, failure or breakdown affecting the safety of the ship, makes a marked deviation from a route, course or speed previously advised or requires to report safety related information and reports of incidents involving Dangerous Goods (DG) Harmful Substances (HS) or Marine Pollutants (MP).

1. Ship name and call sign.
2. Position (latitude and longitude) and time.
3. Name of next Mandatory Reporting Point or Course if not tracking between reporting points.
4. Estimated time of arrival (ETA) at next Mandatory Reporting Point or Speed (ship's anticipated average speed until next report.in knots & tenths of a knot).
5. Description and details of any damage, failure or breakdown suffered:
   1. collision, grounding, fire, explosion, structural failure, flooding, cargo shifting.
   2. failure or breakdown of steering gear, propulsion plant, electrical generating system, essential shipborne navigational aids.
6. Details of any Safety Messages (navigational safety, abnormal weather, unserviceable aids to navigation) or DG HS MP incident reports using the recognized IMO reporting formats.

4 Information to provided to participating ships and procedures to be followed

4 Information to be provided to participating ships and procedures to be followed

4.1 The ship reporting centre will provide information to shipping on potentially conflicting traffic movements resulting from the analysis of incoming reports.

4.2 Certain sections of the route in the Torres Strait and the far northern sector of the inner route of the GBR present a particular navigational hazard in situations where large ships might be passing or overtaking, especially deeper draught ships. When the ship reporting centre considers that ships are approaching such sections, any relevant traffic information held by the centre will be passed to them. Because of the extensive size of the REEFREP area it is not be intended to routinely broadcast traffic information across the whole area but to advise individual ships as necessary.

4.3 Traffic information, including other advice received from ships or local maritime authorities which impacts on navigational safety will be passed to ships in relevant areas. Examples include concentrations of fishing vessels, unusual weather conditions, etc.

4.4 Normal maritime safety information (MSI) in the form of navigational warnings (AUSCOAST Warnings) will continue to be issued in the appropriate broadcasts from MRCC AUSTRALIA. The ship reporting centre will maintain details of MSI for the REEFREP area for the information of participating ships.

5 Communication required for the system

5 Communication required for the system, frequencies on  which reports should be transmitted and information to be reported

5.1 The system will be based on VHF voice communications and will be interactive with an interchange of data between ships and the ship reporting centre.

5.2 VHF channels 5, 18 and 19 in the international maritime mobile band have been allocated for the reporting points in the system.

5.3 Information of commercial confidentiality may be transmitted by non-verbal means.

5.4 The language used for reports in the system will be English, using the IMO Standard Marine Communications Phrases where necessary.

5.5 Communications associated with reporting in accordance with the requirements of this system will be free of charge.

6 Rules and regulations in force in the area of the system

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6 Rules and regulations in force in the area of the system

Compulsory pilotage rules apply in the northern section of the inner route (Cape York to Cairns) and in Hydrographers Passage. Other regulations apply domestic law in accordance with the terms of international conventions.

7 Shore-based facilities to support operation of the system

7 Shore-based facilities to support operation of the system

7.1 The existing port information centre at Hay Point, on the central Queensland coast, close to the main shipping route through the inner route of the GBR and Hydrographer's Passage, has been designated as the ship reporting centre for the system.

7.2 The system will include radar coverage at certain focal areas in the Torres Strait and inner route of the GBR. Radar will be installed in the Torres Strait, in the vicinity of Cairns and in the Whitsunday Islands area.

7.3 All VHF communications and radar data will be relayed into the ship reporting centre, which will be equipped to provide a high standard of service to meet the system requirements and will be operated by trained and experienced personnel. Operator standards will be in accordance with "Guidelines on the Recruitment, Qualification and Training of Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Operators" (MSC/Circ.578).

7.4 The hardware and software for the system is being developed.

7.5 The system will be operated to quality standards with service levels being constantly
monitored.

7.6 Measures are in hand to install DGPS Broadcast Stations operating in the MF band
(285-325 kHz) on Horn Island (Torres Strait) by the end of 1995 and further stations in the inner route of the GBR during 1996/98. The DGPS service will provide additional high accuracy navigational assistance throughout the reporting area.

7.7 The REEFREP ship reporting system information will be interfaced with the AUSREP
system operated by MRCC AUSTRALIA. 

8 Alternative communication

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8 Alternative communication if the communication facilities of the shore-based authority fail

In the event of failure of the system VHF communications, a report from a participating ship
can be passed by any of the following methods:

1. Seaphone through the commercial VHF coastal network;
   
   
2. SATCOM; and
   
   
3. HF Radio through Townsville Radio (VIT).

9 Measures to be taken if ship fails to comply with the requirements of the system

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9 Measures to be taken if a ship fails to comply with the Requirements of the system

9.1 The primary objective of the system is to facilitate the exchange of information between the ship and the shore and so support safe navigation and the protection of the marine environment. All means will be used to encourage and promote the full participation of ships required to submit reports under SOLAS regulation V/11. If reports are not submitted and the ship can be positively identified, then information will be passed to the relevant flag State for investigation and possible prosecution in accordance with that State's legislation. A failure to report may also be investigated for breach of Australian laws relating to compulsory ship reporting.

Appendix 1 Proposed ship reporting system

APPENDIX 1

Proposed ship reporting system Torres Strait and Great Barrier Reef Areas

Appendix 2 Reefrep

APPENDIX 2

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APPENDIX 2

1 Reefrep entry (full report)

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APPENDIX 2

2 Reefrep report

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REEFREP REPORT

 

EXAMPLE:
Ship reporting at an intermediate reporting point within reporting area.

Format		Example
		REEFREP REPORT
A.	Ships name and call sign	A.	ENTERPRISE/VIPM
B.	Name of Reporting Point	B.	CHARLOTTE
F.	Speed (if change from last report)	F.	SPEED NOW 11.5
X.	Remarks	X.	LARGE CONCENTRATION OF FISHING VESSELS VICINITY HANNAH ISLAND

3 Reefrep defect

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REEFREP DEFECT

EXAMPLE:
Ship reporting defect within reporting area.

Format		Example
		REEFREP DEFECT
A.	Ship's name and call sign	A.	ENTERPRISE/VIPM
B.	Date/Time position	B.	030205Z
C.	Latitude/Longitude or Reporting Point	C.	1400S 14400E
Q.	Nature of defect/damage	Q.	BOTH RADARS UNSERVICEABLE IN HEAVY RAIN SQUALLS; ALSO MINOR STEERING DEFECT
X.	Remarks	X.	PROCEEDING TO ANCHOR 180 HANNAH ISLAND LT 1.0 TO EFFECT REPAIRS

 

REEFREP DEFECT

EXAMPLE 2:
Ship defect repaired.

Format		Example
		REEFREP DEFECT
A.	Ship's name and call sign	A.	ENTERPRISE/VIPM
B.	Date/Time position	B.	030215Z
C.	Latitude/Longitude or Reporting Point	C.	1401S 14001E
F.	Speed	F.	8.5
X.	Remarks	X.	DEFECT REPAIRED, REJOINING ROUTE

4 Reefrep exit

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REEFREP EXIT

EXAMPLE 1:
Ship westbound reporting exit from reporting area at Torres Strait.

Format		Example
		REEFREP EXIT
A.	Ship's name and call sign	A.	MITSUBISHI/XUGT
K.	Point of exit	K.	COOK
I.	Destination (via route)	I.	SINGAPORE VIA LOMBOK
X.	Remarks	X.	FINAL REPORT

 

EXAMPLE 2:Ship reporting exit from reporting area at Palm Passage.

Format		Example
		REEFREP EXIT
A.	Ship's name and call sign	A.	IRON MAIDEN/RXTP
K.	Point of exit	K.	PALM
I.	Destination (via route)	I.	PUSAN VIA ROSSEL ISLAND
X.	Remarks (must include FINAL REPORT)	X.	FINAL REPORT

 

 

EXAMPLE 3:Ship reporting arrival at a port within reporting area (after transiting from anotherport also within the area).

Format		Example
		REEFREP EXIT
A.	Ship's name and call sign	A.	NORTHERN STAR/CPIM
K.	Point of exit	K.	CAIRNS
I.	Destination (via route) if outside REEFREP area
X.	Remarks (must include FINAL REPORT)	X.	ARRIVED CAIRNS, FINAL REPORT

 

 

EXAMPLE 4:Ship eastbound reporting exit from reporting area at Great North East Channel.

Format		Example
		REEFREP EXIT
A.	Ship's name and call sign	A.	ENTERPRISE/VIPM
K.	Point of exit	K.	DARNLEY
I.	Destination (via route)	I.	PORT MORESBY DIRECT
X.	Remarks (must include FINAL REPORT)	X.	FINAL REPORT

 

 

Appendix 3 Participating in APR via Inmarsat-C

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Participating in APR via Inmarsat-C

APR information will only be used by the REEFREP system whilst the ship is in the REEFREP area. The DNID will remain downloaded until the Master or company advises REEFCENTRE that the ship is no longer a regular visitor. It is important that this information is passed during the final visit to Australia, as the DNID has to be deleted whilst the Inmarsat-C terminal is logged into the particular satellite region.

A ship is deemed to be a regular visitor if it operating on the Australian coastal trade or revisiting Australia from overseas within eighteen months. Infrequent visitors will have the DNID deleted from their terminals after sending a Final Report.

Vessels can communicate authorization for DNID download either by Inmarsat-C or REEFREP VHF Voice Communication Channels as described below:

1. Inmarsat¹
   By forwarding an APR message via Inmarsat to REEFCENTRE the Master authorizes download of a DNID into the Inmarsat-C terminal, and provides the following details for each Inmarsat-C installation:
   
   
   • Vessel Name, Callsign, Inmarsat-C Mobile Number (IMN), Manufacturer, and Model. (Example at Table 1).
     
     

     Table 1 - Inmarsat -C Data Network identifier (DNID)

     ID	Message type	REEFREP/APR//
     A	Ship Name/Callsign	A/REEF CHAMPION/VJVJ//
     B	Primary Inmarsat-C terminal details (Inmarsat-C Mobile Number (IMN), Manufacturer, and Model)	B/450309919/ THRANE & THRANE/3020B//
     C	Secondary Inmarsat-C terminal details (Inmarsat-C Mobile Number (IMN), Manufacturer, and Model), where applicable.	C/450309920/ FURUNO/FELCOM12//

     
     While reporting to REEFREP, masters must ensure that their INMARSAT equipment remains active in the "LOGIN" mode (Pacific Ocean Region (POR)) at all times.
     
     
2. REEFREP VHF Voice Communication Channels
   For example, at the first Reporting Point, the Master (or his representative) verbally authorizes the DNID download and provides the following details for each Inmarsat-C installation:
   
   
   • Inmarsat-C Mobile Number (IMN), Manufacturer, and Model. e.g.: 450306909, JRC, JUE75C

---

¹APR messages sent to REEFCENTRE using Special Access Code (SAC) 861 via Perth LES using Inmarsat-C access code '222' will be reverse charged to the SRS.

Annex 2 Mandatory Ship Reporting system "Off Ushant"

Annex 2 - Mandatory Ship Reporting system "Off Ushant"

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Annex 2 - Mandatory Ship Reporting system "Off Ushant"

1 Categories of ships required to participate in the system

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1 Categories of ships required to participate in the system

Ships of more than 300 grt are required to participate in the system. This threshold is that used within the framework of the MAREP system, recently amended with regard to the categories of ships included (IMO document SN/Circ.167, annex , page 4). 

2 Geographical coverage of the system

2 Geographical coverage of the system and the number and edition of the reference chart used for the delineation of the system

The reporting system covers a circular area 35 miles in radius centred on the Ile d'Ouesant  (Stiff radar tower). The TSS covers the entire area. However, the Corsen/Ouessant vessel traffic service gathers all information relating to traffic within the area for which the MRCC Corsen is responsible, bounded as follows:

-	to the south:	parallel 47º47.9'N (via the Pointe de Penmarc'h)
-	to the west:	meridian 008º W
-	to the north:	a line connecting the positions
-		-	48º50'N - 008º00' W
-		-	49º30'N - 004º00' W
-		-	48º53'N - 002º20' W
-		-	48º49' N - 001º49' W
-		-	48º37'.5N - 001º34'W (Baie de Mont St. Michel)

The reference chart which includes all the area of coverage for the system is the French chart No. 6989 of the Navy Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service.

3 Format and contents of report

3 Format and contents of report, times and geographical  positions for submitting report, authority to whom reports should be sent and available services

The reports required from ships entering the area covered by the system are position reports similar to the MAREP POSREP type reports sent to the VTS by ships reporting within the scheme.

A ship may elect, for reasons of commercial confidentiality, to communicate that section of
the report which provides information on cargo by non-verbal means prior to entering the system.

The information given below is derived from the format-type given in paragraph 2 of the
appendix to resolution A.648(16) of IMO.

3.1 Content
The report required should include

1. information considered to be essential:
   • the name of the ship, its call sign or IMO identification number, its position (letters A and C or D);
   • information considered necessary;
   • the course and speed of the ship (letters E and F). When they receive a position report message, the VTS operators attempt to correlate the position of the ship with the information at their disposal:
     
     
     • radar echo at the position indicated
     • direction-finder readings
     • description of the surroundings given by the ship's watch - position in relation to other ships (in the event of heavy traffic)
     • course and speed.
     
     Information on course and speed are therefore additional elements allowing
     the VTS operators to correlate the position announced and, if necessary, to
     identify one ship among a group of ships;
     
   • access to the north-eastbound lane of the "Off Ushant" traffic separation scheme is prohibited to certain cargoes (oils, noxious liquid substances MARPOL A and B in particular). In order to allow the VTS operators to monitor application of the traffic regulations within the TSS approved by IMO, ships requiring to transit in the north-eastbound lane must confirm that they are not transporting a cargo for which passage in this area is prohibited;
     and
     
2. in addition, in accordance with the provisions of the SOLAS and MARPOL Conventions, the ships must report information relating to defects, damage,
   deficiencies or other limitations as well as, if necessary, information relating to pollution incidents or loss of cargo.

3.2 Recipient of report
The shore-based authority is the Corsen/Ouessant vessel traffic service (voice communication sign "Ushant Traffic") installed at the CROSS CORSEN site. The Regional Centre for Surveillance and Rescue Operations - CROSS CORSEN is a service provided by the Department of Maritime Affairs, a department of the Ministry of Equipment, Transport and Tourism. It combines the maritime rescue coordination centre (MRCC) and the VTS as well as carrying out functions for the
French Administration (monitoring fishing, monitoring pollution).

The VTS broadcasts a regular information bulletin at H + 10 mn and H + 40 mn. This bulletin includes:

• information on traffic
• urgent warnings to mariners concerning the area
• special weather bulletins

In addition, a regular weather bulletin is broadcast every three hours from 01H50 UTC.

This information is broadcast in French and in English on VHF channel 79 after a call on channel 16.

If necessary, the VTS is capable of providing individual information to a ship, in particular with regard to positioning and navigational assistance.

4 Information to be provided to participating ships and procedures to be followed

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4 Information to be provided to participating ships and procedures to be followed

The VTS processes the requests for anchoring made by the ships in the area for which the MRCC Corsen is responsible.

Detected and identified ships are monitored by radar which in no way releases the masters from responsibility for their navigation.

The vessel traffic services in the Channel inform each other of the transit of ships, in particular those having hazardous cargoes. First, the identification for a southbound ship which has reported in accordance with the MAREP recommendations to the VTS at Jobourg are transmitted to the VTS at Corsen/Ouessant which then sets up an HPA at the north-east RACON radio beacon of the Ushant traffic separation scheme. 

5 Communication required for the system

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5 Communication requirements for the system, frequencies on which reports should be transmitted and information to be reported

The radiocommunications equipment required for the system is that defined in the GMDSS for sea area A1.

The ship reports will be made by voice on VHF radio. The channels defined are channel 13, monitored permanently by the VTS, as well as channel 79 and 80 which are also used to broadcast safety information. However, information of commercial confidentiality may be transmitted by nonverbal means.

The frequencies mentioned above will be used pending modifications made necessary by the use of an automatic identification system for which the draft definition of operational standards is under review.

In some cases, it could be decided to use the medium frequency band for communication with ships, according to procedures which will be specified subsequently.

6 Rules and regulations in force in the area of the system

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6 Relevant rules and regulations in force in the area of the system

The international regulations for preventing collisions at sea are applicable throughout the area of coverage of the proposed system.

The "Off Ushant" traffic separation scheme has been approved by IMO and therefore rule 10 applies (document MSC XXXVIII/22, annex 7, pages 7 and 8).

In addition to the international regulatory scheme there are national regulations regarding vessel traffic and ship reporting. These are specifically:

• decree No. 84/93 of the port-admiral for the Atlantic of 11 October 1993 regulating navigation in the "Off Ushant" TSS, the associated inshore traffic area and the fairways and waters of Fromveur, Four, Helle and Raz de Sein. Repealing a previous decree of 14 December 1978, it makes reporting mandatory for ships intending to use the north- eastbound lane of the TSS (situated in territorial waters), as well as inshore fairways. This decree repeats the provisions of the MSC document concerning the conditions for entry to the north-eastbound lane.

The conditions for entry to the fairways and waterways are also specified.

• joint prefectorial decree 326 Cherbourg/18/81 Brest of 13 May 1981 regulating navigation in the approaches to the French coast in the Channel and the Atlantic in order to prevent accidental marine pollution.
  
  This decree, concerning ships having hazardous cargoes, stipulates in particular:
  
  
  • for ships intending to enter French territorial waters, mandatory ship reporting with a six-hour advance warning. In addition to information concerning the identity of the ship, the report must specify the place and time of entry into French waters, the port arrived from and the destination, the cargo and the state of manoeuvrability and navigational capacities,
  • a mandatory 16 VHF watch while travelling through territorial waters,
  • navigation at less than 7 miles from the coast is forbidden for ships of more than 1,600 gross tonnage,
  • mandatory reporting to the French shipping authorities of any damage
    occurring at less than 50 miles from the French coast.
    
  Within the area of applicability of the proposed system, the provisions of this decree apply more specifically in the following cases:
  
  
  • transit, via the north-eastbound lane of the TSS, of a ship having a cargo which is not prohibited in this lane but which comes under the decree,
  • traffic coming from or going towards the Port de Brest with hazardous cargoes. 

• Decree No. 54/84 of the port-admiral for the Atlantic of 31 July 1984 regulating entry, movement and berthing of foreign ships in the internal waters of the second maritime region.
  

In addition to these provisions of a regulatory nature, also relevant are the Franco-British MAREP recommendations regarding ships of more than 300 tons gross tonnage and in particular those facing specific difficulties.

Application of these recommendations for the Ouessant area is as follows for the VTS:

• for northbound traffic, taking account of the information transmitted by ships approaching the TSS, plotting and radar monitoring and sending to the Jobourg VTS of MAREP information for ships having hazardous cargoes or facing specific difficulties in order to allow this VTS to set up an arrival forecast for the ship at the Casquets TSS;
  
• for southbound traffic, prior receipt, by the Jobourg VTS, of MAREP information concerning hazardous shipping or shipping facing specific difficulties and which have reported to Les Casquets. Plotting and radar monitoring of the ships identified.
  
  

7 Shore-based facilities to support operation of the system

Ingangsdatum: 01-01-1997

7 Shore-based facilities to support opration of the system

The Corsen/Ouessant vehicle traffic service is set up at the Regional Centre for surveillance and rescue operations at Corsen. This service has radar and radio facilities.

7.1 Radar facilities
The surveillance radar type THOMSON TRS 3405 is installed at the Stiff tower at Ouessant. The installation includes three transmitter receivers, a main antenna and a stand-by antenna. The nominal range of the radar is 64 miles. The antenna is positioned at 110 metres above the chart zero. Technical staff are permanently on duty at the tower. Radar messages are sent to the centre at Corsen via a radio-relay system where they are processed and then used by the staff on watch. The watch is carried out using visual display screens. The operators work using synthetic radar display. Each ship detected in the area of applicability has its echo noted as an automatically referenced radar track. Additional information is collected by the operators for each track identified. The vessel traffic service is equipped with a system for processing and storing radar data that allows statistics and course calculations to be printed. A complete reorganization of the processing and display chain will be carried out in the near future. The extraction and follow-up performances of the new system will be improved. Aids for the operators will form part of the new equipment. The operator will be alerted automatically as soon as violations or unusual behaviour is detected. It is also intended to add the Lloyds file, on CD ROM, to the "ships" file. It will be possible to obtain the record of a ship's track rapidly, to print texts and courses automatically and to write messages. Other databases will be used on office-type computers.

7.2 Radiocommunications facilities
Surveillance staff use the radio equipment installed at the Stiff tower in the Corsen centre. The vessel traffic service has the use of four single-channel VHF transmitter receivers. If necessary, the VTS may, from time to time, use the VHF and MHF radio equipment belonging to the MRCC. These are VHF installations at Stiff, at the Pointe du Raz and at the Corsen site.

The VTS is also equipped with VHF air and UHF installations allowing links with aircraft carrying out surveillance missions.

A renovation of the equipment is being undertaken. With regard to radio facilities, it will include the installation of channel 70 digital selective calling VHF equipment at Stiff and at the Pointe du Raz.

The vessel traffic service operators use VHF radio direction-finding equipment precise to within 0.5º. One is installed at the Pointe du Raz, the other at the Ihare de Creac'h lighthouse. On each radio direction-finder it is possible to select two different tracks. 

8 Alternative communication

Ingangsdatum: 01-01-1997

8 Alternative communication if the communication facilities of the shore-based authority fail

The vessel traffic service VHF radiocommunications equipment is installed at Ouessant. It includes four single-channel transmitter/receivers plus a multi-channel transmitter/receiver on standby. A multi-channel transmitter/receiver normally dedicated to the MRCC Corsen completes the installation.
In the event that the radio-relay system between Stiff and Corsen breaks down, two emergency multi-channel VHF transmitter/receivers installed at the Corsen site can be used.

If none of the VTS VHF equipment is operational at the Corsen Centre, it would still be possible for the naval staff on watch at Stiff to intervene, as that staff has its own radio equipment and would be able to maintain contact with the ships. It should be noted that in the event that the surveillance radar breaks down, this watch would take over temporarily from the vessel traffic service at Corsen/Ushant, pending the arrival, by the most rapid means (helicopter), of the VTS staff on Ile d'Ouessant island. A breakdown involving several of the VTS VHF radios would not remove all possibility of contact between the VTS and the ships.

There is therefore no reason to provide for a specific procedure in this event.

If it became necessary to establish an MHF link, in the event of a breakdown at the MHF installation at the Corsen Centre, the inshore radio station, Le Conquet Radio, would be called upon.

Appendix The report required should include:

Ingangsdatum: 01-05-2008

The report required should include:

A	Name, call sign, IMO No. (or MMSI No. for reporting by transponder);
B	Date and time;
C or D	Position in latitude and longitude or true bearing and distance from a clearly identified landmark;
E	True course;
F	Speed;
G	Port of departure;
I	Port of destination and expected time of arrival;
O	Present draught;
P	Cargo and, if dangerous goods are on board, IMO quantity and class;
Q or R	Defect, damage and/or deficiencies affecting ship.s structure, cargo or equipment, or any other circumstance affecting normal navigation, in accordance with the SOLAS or MARPOL Conventions;
T	Address for provision of information concerning a cargo of dangerous goods;
W	Number of persons on board;
X	Miscellaneous: Estimated quantity of bunker fuel and characteristics for ships carrying over 5,000 tonnes bunker fuel; Navigation conditions.

Summary

SUMMARY

1 General

1.1 Vessels concerned: all vessels having a gross registered tonnage equal to or exceeding 300 tons.

1.2 Area on entering which the vessels should report:
- on entering a circular area 35 miles in radius centred on the Ile d'Ouessant (Stiff radar tower).

1.3 Reference chart: chart No. 6989 of the French Navy Hydrographic and Oceanographic Department.

1.4 Reporting format (in accordance with resolution A.648(16) on General principles for ship reporting systems and ship reporting requirements, including guidelines for reporting incidents involving dangerous goods, harmful substances and/or marine pollutants).

Name of system:	OUESSREP
Data to be transmitted:
Heading:	Information
A	Name + call sign + IMO number
C or D	Position
E	Course
F	Speed;
P	Cargo if presence on board of potentially dangerous cargoes (for vessels in the north-eastbound lane).
Q	Defects (if relevant)
R	Pollution/dangerous goods lost overboard (if relevant)

In the event of defect, pollution or goods lost overboard, additional information may be requested.

1.5 Authority to whom the report should be sent:
Regional Centre for Surveillance and Rescue Operations at Corsen/Ouessant (CROSS Corsen), call sign USHANT TRAFFIC.

(In addition to the vessel traffic service (VTS), the Centre carries out the functions of a rescue co-ordination centre (RCC), call sign CROSS CORSEN).

1.6 Communication facilities
The reports will be transmitted by radio telephone in VHF on channel 13 or, in the event of failure, on channel 79, according to the information given by the Centre.

It is proposed that the reports be transmitted in the future by automatic means when the relevant standards have been put in place by the Organization.

• Informatietype: Internationaal
• Documentsoort: Resolutie
• Toegangsrechten: Extern
• Identificatie: PUC_1378_14
• Versie: 6
• Datum beschikbaarheid: 22-07-2011
• Geldigheid van: 01-07-2011
• Wijzigingsdatum: 24-11-2016
• Titel: 52(66) Mandatory Ship Reporting Systems "The Torres Strait Region and the inner Route of the Great Barrier Reef" (MSC.161(78) MSC.127(75) MSC.251(83))
• Organisatie: International Maritime Organization (IMO)
• Taal: Nederlands
• Onderwerp: Veiligheid / Safety
• Hoofdtaak: Koopvaardij / Merchant Shipping
• Thema: Zeevaart / Seagoing ships / Information / IMO Instruments (Informative) / Resolutions (Informative) / MSC Resolutions (Informative) / MSC/Res. 001 until 099